Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Provider
- Buildner
- Deadline
- 11/2/2026
In short
The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition challenges participants to design an off-grid modular dwelling under 25 m², with a €100,000 prize fund. Open globally to professionals and students, submissions are due November 2, 2026.
€100,000 Prize / Kingspan MICROHOME 2026
By Buildner
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 11/2/20267 days left
€100,000
Total Prize Fund
Off-grid modular dwelling
Design Focus
Max 25 m²
Floor Area Limit
Open to professionals and students worldwide
Eligibility
Concept
Location
Overview
The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition is the 11th edition of Buildner's exploration into compact living and sustainable design, marking the fourth collaboration with Kingspan. This competition invites architects and designers to reconsider the essence of home by proposing an off-grid modular dwelling with a maximum floor area of 25 m². The goal is to demonstrate how small-scale architecture can achieve both efficiency and emotional depth. Participants are encouraged to create innovative and environmentally responsible designs that address current challenges such as affordability, adaptability, and climate change. The competition emphasizes discovering new design freedoms within constraints, exploring how microhomes can serve as models for sustainable living in both rural and urban environments. The competition seeks projects that combine creative ingenuity with technical excellence. It aims to inspire forward-thinking design for a more responsible future by focusing on essential living. The designs should integrate off-grid capabilities and modularity. A total prize fund of €100,000 will be awarded. The competition is open to professionals and students globally.
What to build
An off-grid modular dwelling with a total floor area of no more than 25 m², demonstrating efficiency, emotional depth, and environmental responsibility.
Prizes
1st Prize
€30,000
2nd Prize
€10,000
3rd Prize
€5,000
Buildner Student Award
€10,000
Buildner Sustainability Award
€10,000
The Kingspan Award
€30,000
The Kingspan Compliments
3 recipients
€5,000
Honourable Mentions
6 recipients
Not specified
Key dates
- Early Bird Registration2025-11-10 – 2026-02-11
- Advance Registration2026-02-12 – 2026-05-27
- Last Minute Registration2026-05-28 – 2026-09-30
- Closing Date for Questions2026-10-05
- Competition Closing Date (Submission)2026-11-02 23:59 (London time)
- Winners Announced2026-12-15
How to enter
- Register for the competition by the specified deadlines.
- Propose an off-grid modular dwelling design that adheres to the 25 m² floor area limit.
- Submit the design by the competition closing date.
Submission requirements
- Total floor area of no more than 25 m².
- Design must be an off-grid modular dwelling.
- Design should demonstrate efficiency and emotional depth.
- Design should be innovative and environmentally responsible.
Sponsors & partners
Kingspan